One of the questions we hear most at Hethel Print & Design is: "Which sign board should I go for?" Foamex, ACP and Correx are the three most popular materials for business signs, and each one suits a different job. Pick the right one and your sign will look great for years. Pick the wrong one and you could be replacing it sooner than you'd like.
Here's a plain-English guide to help Norfolk businesses choose the right signage.
Foamex (foam PVC): the versatile all-rounder
Foamex is a rigid, lightweight PVC board with a smooth surface that prints beautifully.
- Best for: indoor signs, reception signs, shop displays, exhibition graphics, menu boards, point-of-sale and short to medium-term outdoor use
- Pros: lightweight, easy to fix to walls, crisp print, good value, available in different thicknesses
- Things to know: it's not as tough as aluminium for permanent outdoor signs, and it can flex in direct sun over time
ACP (aluminium composite): built to last outdoors
ACP is made from two thin aluminium sheets with a solid core. It's the go-to material for permanent outdoor signs.
- Best for: shop fascias, building signs, car park and site signs, entrance boards and anything that needs to stay up for years
- Pros: very rigid, weather resistant, professional premium finish, won't warp like plastic boards
- Things to know: it costs more than Foamex or Correx, but it lasts much longer outside
Correx (fluted polypropylene): cheap, cheerful and waterproof
Correx is the corrugated plastic board you'll recognise from estate agent boards and roadside event signs.
- Best for: temporary signs, events, open days, planning notices, site hoardings, directional signs and election boards
- Pros: very lightweight, waterproof, budget friendly and easy to cable-tie to fences and posts
- Things to know: it's designed for short to medium-term use and isn't as premium looking as ACP
Quick comparison
| Material | Indoor | Outdoor | Lifespan | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foamex | Excellent | Short–medium term | Medium | ££ |
| ACP | Excellent | Excellent | Long | £££ |
| Correx | Good | Good (temporary) | Short–medium | £ |
Other signs worth knowing about
- Magnetic signs turn your van or car into a moving advert and come off when you need them to.
- Pavement signs and A-frames catch passing trade outside shops, cafés and pubs.
- Custom shape signs are cut to the outline of your logo or design.
- PVC banners are a flexible, affordable option for large outdoor messages.
- Outdoor display covers flags, Heras fence covers and barrier covers for events.
Tips for a sign that works
- Keep it short. People read signs in seconds, so lead with your name and what you do.
- Make text big enough for the distance it will be read from, especially for roadside signs.
- Use strong contrast, such as dark text on a light background or the other way round.
- Add your phone number or website so people can act on it.
- Think about fixings. Will it go on a wall, a fence or posts? Tell us and we'll advise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for an outdoor business sign?
For a permanent outdoor sign, ACP (aluminium composite) is usually the best choice because it's rigid, weather resistant and long lasting. For temporary outdoor signs, Correx is a cost-effective alternative.
Is Foamex waterproof?
Foamex is a PVC board and handles moisture well, but it's best suited to indoor use or short to medium-term outdoor use. For long-term outdoor signs, choose ACP.
What is Correx used for?
Correx is used for lightweight, temporary signs such as event signs, estate agent boards, site notices and directional signs.
Where can I get signs made near Wymondham or Norwich?
Hethel Print & Design makes Foamex, ACP, Correx, magnetic and custom signs from the Hethel Engineering Centre, NR14 8FB. Order online or ask us for advice.
Still not sure? Ask us
Tell us where your sign is going, how long it needs to last and roughly what size you're after, and we'll recommend the right material. Call 07769 200277, send a message or browse our full signage range. Need artwork? Add our Design Service.
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